5 things in the garden that need cleaning

Any excuse for getting out into the garden... Here's how to keep your mower purring and your secateurs super speedy

With summer in full swing, chances are your lawnmower and garden tools are getting a bit of a battering.

So in between putting up your feet and talking to the neighbours, here are a few jobs you may want to check off the list or delegate!

1. Lawnmower
Best practice is to give the mower a brush down after every use. If you don’t, the damp mulch of warm grass cuttings can meld themselves to the blades and the inside of the mower casing, and make mowing much harder work.

Always unplug or disconnect the machine from the power supply, then turn the mower on its side (if the manufacturer’s guide allows for this) for easy access.

Wearing heavy-duty or gardening gloves, brush grass from vents with a soft brush and a thick cloth. If your mower doesn’t come with a tool to clean the undercarriage, use a plastic spatula. Never use water or polish on the machine.

If it’s a petrol mower, let it run dry before storing it and get it serviced every couple of years.

2. Garden tools
Tempting as it is to down tools after a job well done and dash inside for a cuppa, make time to rinse off mud from your garden tools under the garden tap or with a hose while the mud is still wet.

If you’re tackling hardened mud, dirt or rust, use a wire brush and then wipe with an oily rag before putting away. Or spray metal surfaces with a light coating of a general-purpose oil to prevent further rusting.

3. Garden paths
Algae and moss soon take hold on garden paving slabs and brickwork, making the garden slippery underfoot when it’s wet. A pressure washer is ideal for cleaning these, but take care not to dislodge cement or grouting. And if drainage is a problem, it could exacerbate damp problems.

For chemical-free cleaning, use a long-handled wire bristle brush. Alternatively, try Jeyes 4 in 1 Patio Power – this may help control the regrowth of algae.

4. Conservatories
If you have a conservatory, a window vac may be a good investment for speedy cleaning inside and out.
To remove the green material that tends to cling to the uPVC or wooden frame, use a solution of washing-up liquid with an old tea towel. Or for really tough jobs that need chemicals, there are plenty of specialist cleaners such as HG UPVC Cleaner spray or Nilco UPVC Window and Door Cleaner. Getting at the roof isn’t easy and may be a job for your window cleaner.

If you’re tackling it yourself, get the right kit:
A long-handled tool will allow you to clean the roof from the ground – either a sponge on an extendable handle or a water-fed pole that allows soapy water to be pumped up the handle.
If you need to use a stepladder, make sure it’s on secure ground and you have someone else there acting as a ladder support.

5. Gutters
Invest in some Hedgehog gutter brushes. Water can still flow freely, but they will stop leaves from getting stuck in your pipes and blocking them. Use a brush to remove leaves from the gutter before you install them. Replace your guttering if it’s not doing its job. If water is flowing down the side of the building, it’s time to fix damaged guttering, as it can cause damp problems.